Call for more alcohol licensing powers

The devastating effects of alcohol abuse risk being ignored amid concern over so-called legal highs, AMs warn.

In 2013, alcohol was the cause of more deaths in Wales - 467 - than illegal or legal drug use, which caused 343.

The assembly's health committee wants more GPs to focus on alcohol treatment, and more help given for groups like ex-prisoners, homeless and older people.

The Welsh government said it was spending £50m this year on programmes to tackle drug and alcohol abuse.

David Rees, chairman of the assembly's health committee, said members wanted greater licensing powers devolved to Wales and called for clearer labelling on products so people are fully aware of what they are consuming.